This late 17th century Chinese Export cabinet on a contemporary northern European silvered stand, 3ft 2in wide by 191/2in deep (97 x 50cm), may not have been in the best condition, but this was incidental to bidders both nouveaux and vieux riches, who were more interested in the black and white 1930s image of the cabinet in situ at Allenstown House, a subsequently demolished estate in Southern Ireland. The winning bid of £52,000 comfortably exceeded expectations of £6000-8000.
The other principal highlights of a sale that generated a total of £750,140 from 71 per cent of the 206 lots, were a 20th century pair of Italian walnut and rosewood crossbanded serpentine bedside commodes, estimated at £3000-5000 and a matching burr walnut and tulipwood banded serpentine commode, estimated at £2500-3000. On account of astonishing patination and colour the latter brought £52,000 from the trade; the former pair attracted £42,000.
17th century proof from the 1930s
UK: PHOTOGRAPHIC proof of provenance lends enormous wings to the object concerned, and lot 1 at Phillips’ (15/10 per cent buyer’s premium) sale of English and Continental furniture in London on October 12 was just such a case.
